
How to Remove Wisteria
These recommendations are primarily for homeowners and communities that would like to start working in their neighborhood greenspace. For each species, we recommend herbicide-free control methods but have added an herbicide option for some species for those who are comfortable using them. These methods were selected while keeping in mind limiting soil disturbance, reducing herbicide use, and avoiding harm to other species that may be present whether they be other plants/animals. Manual removal is possible for all of them if you have the time. If the infestation is overwhelmingly severe/large, we suggest you look into professional control.
Removal Difficulty: Hard
Removal difficulty is rated as hard because wisteria is very difficult to control. If the infestation is of high density, look into professional control.
A curtain of climbing wisteria
Wisteria growing in the ground layer
Cut and Treat
Wisteria climbs mature trees to reach sunlight and wraps around tree trunks like a constrictor. As the tree grows outward, these vines girdle the tree. To stop this, sever vines at the base of trees. Do not attempt to pull vines down that are above your reach. Cutting at the base will kill the vine above the cut, and they will eventually dry up and fall off.
Use hand pruners or a hand saw to cut vine at chest height
Follow vines down to the ground, use a handsaw to cut at the base, and treat with herbicide. We use a high concentrate (between 18-50%), glyphosate-based solution. and add in an indicator dye to keep track of what has been treated. Be sure not to spray the herbicide anywhere but on the woody stem. Treat within 5-10 minutes, otherwise, the wound will dry and the herbicide will not be absorbed. Only treat stems that are of 0.5” in diameter or larger.
Pull back vine to make a clean cut
Cut stem as close to the ground as possible
Apply herbicide directly to stem within 5-10 minutes after cutting
If you have any questions about this guide please email restoration@treesatlanta.org.